Two-stop strategy fastest for F1 Spanish Grand Prix

Teams will have a choice of two-stop strategies in the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix according to Pirelli analysis with a slight chance of rain during the race.

The tyre manufacturer says a two-stop strategy will be fastest, recommending that teams start drivers on the soft tyre before changing to the hard compound.

Teams then have the option of swapping to a second stint on the hard compound or running long before finishing the race on the soft compound, if they have sets available.

“From what we have seen so far, race strategy would seem to match our predictions, with a two-stop race being a better bet than a three stop, while the best tyre to race on is the Hard, the new C1 introduced at the start of this year,” said Mario Isola, director of motorsport at Pirelli.

“A further consideration is the long run down to the first corner, so choosing the Softs for the start could be the way to go, because it offers extra grip off the line.”

The range of options could make the race interesting for those starting out of position on Sunday, with Red Bull driver Sergio Perez starting P11 and the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc down in P19 off the grid.

“Having said that, these options could be academic as Meteo France is predicting a 60% chance of rain from 1500 tomorrow,” said Isola.

With the race underway at 3pm local time, there is a slight chance of rain, with forecasters revising down the prediction of rain to around 10%.

Watch every session of the Formula One World Championship on Kayo Sports - Get your free trial now!